“Nursing prepared me for the role I have today as a business owner and entrepreneur by teaching me to take in lots of information, form an assessment and respond; thinking on my feet.  Nursing built my confidence to function independently and assume responsibility, preparing me to be the take charge person I am today.”

The Debra Coffman Howe Nursing Scholarship Fund, established in 2018, helps students achieve their goal of becoming nurses in Palm Beach County, with a focus on helping nontraditional and second-career students. Local businesswoman Debra Howe, a former nurse herself, had this to say about the opportunity to establish a scholarship fund and “give back”:

“As a first-year student in nursing, circumstances presented themselves where I did not have the financial resources to continue.  I discussed the situation with a trusted nursing instructor and within days I was notified my tuition and books had been paid in full by an anonymous donor. Then I was referred to the financial aid team; with their help I received grants, scholarships, loans and even a part time job.  I can remember the overwhelming feeling of helplessness at possibly losing my dream, and the complete feeling of happiness and ability to focus once the financial burden had been resolved. I was moving forward, bettering myself and my family. I am now able to “give back”. Although I grew up and went to nursing school outside of Florida, I have considered Palm Beach home for more than 30 years and am proud to support future nurses pursue their goals.

Named giving funds allow you to establish a charitable giving fund during your lifetime, through your estate plan or both.